Over the weekend, the Miami Heat got one of the best performances of the season out of center Greg Oden. It’s a testament to dedication that could end up with him winning an NBA championship ring just a few years after many wondered if his career was over.

The Miami Heat know they will have to retool their lineup if they want to make a serious run at a three-peat next season. Part of that retooling will include adding a player or two, but also keeping a key cog in this year’s run, center Chris Andersen.

While the majority of the focus of the thrilling Heat victory in Game 1 will be on LeBron James’ incredible play at the end of the game, there’s another player who was just as key to the Heat getting the win to open the series: Chris Andersen.

Everyone knows LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Ray Allen, and most of the other Heat stars. But there’s a fan favorite who debuted with the team in late January who could be playing the biggest role of all for Miami, center Chris “Birdman” Andersen.

The Florida Gators came within one victory of making it to the Final Four this year. Monday, the team found out it got a big piece back for next season that will make the squad a favorite to reach next year’s big dance.

The college basketball season and the 2013 NBA Draft were turned upside down in an instant when Kentucky Wildcats star center Nerlens Noel went down in a heap during a game against the Florida Gators Tuesday night.